‘The contract had been written and just needed to be signed. But then PSG director Leonardo called me and asked to talk to Lucas. They talked. Leonardo was helped by the fact he is Brazilian. He was very gentle with Lucas.’

The personal touch worked, and Lucas snubbed United, and will wrap up the formalities of his switch after the completion of the Olympic Games in London, where he part of a Brazil side that have reached the final.

Lucas’ decision, mooted by many to be because of financial reasons, has come under scrutiny from many in his homeland, who consider PSG a sideways step, but Ribeiro says living in Paris was a big part of the reasoning:

“The possibility of living in Paris – a much more pleasant city than Manchester – also influenced his decision.’

Lucas is set to earn a reported £100,000-a-week with the Ligue One outfit.